The Canadian Canola Growers Association is now accepting applications for the 2022 Cash Advance Program.
Dave Gallant, CCGA’s director of finance and operations, said with low interest rates, farmers looking for options to finance their spring inputs might want to reconsider a cash advance.
“Farmers can apply for cash advances under the federal government program, with the first $100,000 interest free. There is no charge to CCGA for a cash advance, and the overall program limit is one million dollars. So on the remaining $900,000 CCGA loans to farmers at prime less 3/4 percent. So today the prime rate is 2.45%, which means that on the extra $900,000 the farmer would pay 1.7% interest. Which gives you a blended rate of 1.5%. over a million dollars.”
He says that since commodity market values are so much higher than they were last year, the federal government has increased cash advance rates.
“So, for example, canola this year is $363.75 a tonne, last year it was $252 a tonne. This means that for the same amount of grain or the same number of acres, farmers will probably be able to receive between $25 and $35 a tonne. cent more for their cash advance than they did the year before. »
He notes that the cash advance program covers about 55 different commodities, including all grains, oilseeds, pulses, specialty crops, livestock, cattle, bison, sheep and goats, and honey. .
Farmers interested in learning more about cash advances offered through the CCGA can call 1-866-745-2256 or visit the CCGA website.
The Advance Payments Program is a federal loan program administered by the CCGA.
